Students prepared for real life experiences

Monday

May 13, 2013 at 2:30 PM

By Nancy Hastings

nhastings@hillsdale.net

The transition from school to work is a major step for all youth.

The Youth Soft Skills Program at the Hillsdale Workforce Development Center is one of the programs indoctrinating students to the expectations of the work environment. It is included as part of the standard programming offered in the occupational program of interest to the participant.

The program was put together by South Central Michigan Works! and assisted with funding by a grant from The Hillsdale County Community Foundation.

On Tuesday, two award celebrations for Hillsdale County students who have gone through this program, along with their respective work based learning classes, were held at Johnny T’s. At these award programs, students within the various Workforce Development classes were recognized with certificates and scholarship presentations for their accomplishments.

Principal Kevin Leonard said the morning session was held with 130 students attending, while the afternoon session included 90.

“Everyone in our community is all about kids and we are very appreciative of all the businesses that have supported our programs,” Leonard said.

SCMW! Community Relations Officer Justin Gifford said the Youth Soft Skills program not only covers each individual’s soft skills, it also addresses personal achievement, income, living circumstances and other tools needed to succeed.

“The development of the Employability Soft Skills program occurred in response to the need to address the loss of career development opportunities within the K-12 system and the growing concern for creating a better prepared entry level employee,” Gifford said. “The course was developed to look at assessing career aptitude and interests as well as focusing on the skills needed for an individual to be successful in a highly competitive business environment, while fulfilling an adult role after leaving secondary education.”

Participants complete training on established curriculum topics and upon successful completion of the program, participants are granted the soft skill enhancement certificate which completes the Michigan National Career Readiness Certificate.

Melissa Sheldon and Kristyn Nichelson of SCMW! have worked with the students in this program since October of 2012. Since then, they have covered a wide array of topics including employer expectations, resume writing, interview skills, budgeting, career planning, goal setting, job search strategies, and application tips.

Every student in the program developed their own portfolio which includes a cover letter, resume, reference sheet and thank you letters that they will take with them to use when applying or interviewing for employment or educational opportunities such as scholarships.

The students in the program have also been involved with mock interviews with local employers.

Sheldon said she is proud of the students that are enrolled in this program.

“They now know what skills will help them succeed in the future and they are aware of what resources are available to help them if they ever need it,” Sheldon said.

Hillsdale High School Senior Elizabeth Bumpus, who was recognized during the ceremony for numerous achievements in her field of Emergency Medical Technician, said the soft skills program was beneficial.

“The SCMW classes at the Tech Center have helped me improve upon my professional and real-life skills,” Elizabeth said. “I have learned how important efficient communication skills are and to always do my best.”

Along with SCMW, were presentations made by Workforce Development teachers for accomplishments in various areas as Red Cross, Michigan Health Occupation Education Association and others.

Nursing Instructor Cheryl Covell said the ceremony was new this year and a great way to recognize all the schools in the district.

“With two separate (Workforce Development) locations, we don’t get to see what everyone specializes in,” Covell said. “It was good to see everyone come together like this.”